The company's HiveManager software was also upgraded to version 3.0. Aerohive also announced the GuestManager appliance, which enables secure, policy-based delegation of guest access provisioning. Finally, the company announced the HiveAP 28 ag, an 802.11 a/b/g access point designed for outdoor use.

HiveOS 3.0, HiveManager 3.0

Aerohive has partnered with industry leader AeroScout to provide location tracking in HiveOS 3.0. Each HiveAP becomes a sensor in an AeroScout location-tracking solution, eliminating the capital requirements and other burdens associated with the overlay networks that would otherwise be required. AeroScout Wi-Fi-based Active RFID tags and any other Wi-Fi devices, including phones and laptops, may be tracked with the solution.

The new HiveOS also features wireless mesh bridging, which allows wired Ethernet traffic to be backhauled across an Aerohive mesh network. This capability is useful for connecting small, wired networks, for operating surveillance cameras, and for adding resilience to wired networks.

The company also announced that the software in the HiveManager network management system appliance has been upgraded to version 3.0, with enhancements including an AJAX-based user interface that can be accessed from any Web browser.

New GuestManager 1.0 Appliance

The company's new RADIUS-based, rack-mount GuestManager 1.0 appliance enables organizations to implement policy-based delegation of guest access provisioning to employees throughput the company. When combined with the captive web portal and granular, role-based policy enforcement in Aerohive's HiveAPs, secure, differentiated guest access can be efficiently delivered across the network. For example, basic two-hour Internet access in a single location could be provisioned by receptionists or employees or even self-provisioned by guests, while more complete corporate network access for contractors can be provisioned by HR management. Guest access provisioning is provided via a simple, Web-based user interface, and badges and instructions may be printed for the guest.

Outdoor Broadband Wireless a/b/g Access Point

Aerohive also announced the HiveAP 28 ag, an 802.11 a/b/g access point designed for outdoor use. The wireless LAN access point runs HiveOS 3.0 and has an IP 67-rated watertight chassis, external antennas, multiple mounting options, lightning protection, and an operating temperature range of -40 to +131 degrees F. Omni 2.4 GHz and omni 5 GHz high-gain antenna options are available.

"The exceptional resiliency of Aerohive wireless LANs already make them ideal for mission-critical applications," said David Flynn, chief executive officer, Aerohive. "The addition of AeroScout location tracking, outdoor access points, and wireless bridging to our solution set will make Aerohive wireless LANs especially attractive to healthcare, manufacturing, distribution, and other verticals that demand asset tracking, surveillance, and a highly reliable network. Our new guest management solution will also bring tremendous value to every office environment."

The HiveOS 3.0 and HiveManager 3.0 software upgrades are available at no charge for Aerohive customers with a current support plan. GuestManager 1.0 will be available in April and will cost $9,999 with unrestricted licensing. The HiveAP 28 ag will be available in May and will cost $1,999.

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Keywords: wlan access point, network management system, operating system software, active rfid tags, based user interface, lan architecture, mesh network, surveillance cameras, cooperative control, overlay networks, wireless lan, product portfolio, mesh networks